When I first wrote about "Glee," I said, "[The pilot] was entertaining enough, but certainly not a euphoria-inducing experience that makes me want to rush out, join the bandwagon and sing 'Don't Stop Believin" at the top of my lungs. However, there's definitely potential."
But, boy, am I on that bandwagon now! (Although, thankfully for everyone, I only belt out the show's tunes when no one else is around.)
Things were a little rocky for "Glee" at first, but by episode six, things clicked, and "Glee" became the show I looked forward to most each week. From there, it continued to grow stronger, and until it's mid-season finale last week, it was my only can't-miss show of the season. (That will change when "Chuck" returns in January.) I'm super bummed that it's on hiatus for four months, but at least that will give newbies a chance to discover it and get caught up.
Music, of course, is the focus of "Glee." (There are already two soundtracks out.) Able to afford music rights that real show choirs can't, "Glee's" group has taken on everything from Kanye West's "Gold Digger" to Broadway's "Defying Gravity" to Queen's "Somebody to Love," introducing viewers of all ages to songs they might not have heard before and offering a new spin on them. Watching the cast perform them is infectiously fun.
They also do mash-ups. My favorite is by their teacher, who mixes The Police's "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and Gary Puckett's "Young Girl" to dissuade a student's crush. Not only is it hilarious, it's also utterly perfect for the situation.
But even with great music, the show wouldn't work without its talented cast. Three -- Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele and Jane Lynch -- earned Golden Globe nominations Tuesday (as did the show itself).
However, "Glee" truly is an ensemble show; nearly a dozen other actors round out the regular cast and are just as important as their nominated counterparts. I expect a Best Ensemble Cast award at January's SAG Awards.
The group brings an impressive array of musical ability to the show. Morrison, Michele and Jenna Ushkowitz are Broadway performers. Kevin McHale was in a boy band. Mark Salling has an album out. Amber Riley and Chris Colfer are musical theater veterans. Even those without extensive musical backgrounds -- particularly Cory Monteith -- have great pipes.
The show isn't just about music, though. It's also a comedy that, for better or worse, takes you back to high school where everyone is judged socially and everything depends on your status. This is even true among the faculty, where the successful cheerleading coach will be damned if she's going to let the loser show choir teacher and his gang of misfits take anything, like money or the spotlight, from her team.
"Glee" packs in the drama, too, covering issues that include sexuality, handicaps and pregnancy. I've teared up during several of its more dramatic moments, including when a cheerleader's parents kick her out because she's no longer their "perfect daughter" and when the cheerleading coach shows an unexpected soft side with her older sister.
Admittedly, "Glee" isn't for everyone. If your favorite fare is crime procedurals and traditional dramas or you don't like people bursting randomly into song (it happens at least once an episode), you probably won't like it. However, if you like shows like "Chuck," "Psych" and "Ugly Betty," which blend genres and add a dash of quirk, then "Glee" just might be for you.
It doesn't return with new episodes until April 13. In the meantime, Fox has two reruns Wednesday starting at 8 p.m., and the first 13 episodes are on DVD Dec. 29 or at various places (free and pay) online. If you're interested, check them out and get your gleek on.
# nn
Season finales: "Say Yes to the Dress," 9:30 p.m. Friday, TLC; "Survivor," 8 p.m. Sunday, CBS; "The Sing-off," 8 p.m. Monday, NBC; "The Closer," 9 p.m. Monday, TNT.
Select Christmas specials: "Saturday Night Live Presents A Very Gilly Christmas," 8 p.m. Thursday, NBC; "Frosty the Snowman," 8 p.m. Friday, CBS; "Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas," 8 p.m. Monday, PBS2; "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 8 p.m. Wednesday, ABC; "A Home for the Holidays," 8 p.m. Wednesday, CBS.
Of note: "Pixar Short Films," 10 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday, ABC Family; "Great Performances: La Boheme," 9 p.m. Wednesday, PBS.
Reach Amy Robinson at flips...@wvgazette.com.
SOURCE
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment